14/08/2026
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๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ 2026 ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐
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AUGUST 13, 2026 - Guided by the theme "Safe Spaces, Listening Ears: Navigating Mental Health as One," the Fitness Summit 2026 successfully concluded its two-day program dedicated to advancing mental health awareness, inclusivity, and peer support. The summit united student leaders and youth advocates from various organizations, creating a meaningful avenue for promoting empathy, resilience, collaboration, and a shared commitment to building mentally healthy and supportive communities.
The second and final day of the summit commenced with Words of Encouragement from Hon. Richard A. Guindolman, City Vice Mayor of the Island Garden City of Samal, represented by John Lloyd Lumombang. The message emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in nurturing resilient individuals and creating communities where every individual feels heard, valued, and supported.
The highlight of the morning session was an insightful lecture by Teofilo S. Limikid, MsPsy, CTSP, DipSUI, from the Philippine Mental Health Association โ Davao Chapter, who discussed the topic "Navigating Mental Health & Peer Counselors in Action." His presentation underscored the vital role of peer counselors in promoting mental wellness, providing emotional support, and serving as advocates for positive mental health within educational institutions.
An inspiring message was also delivered by Erriza D. Baban, RSW, MSSW, Department Head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, who encouraged participants to continue championing mental health awareness and community-based support systems through compassion, collaboration, and service.
The afternoon session featured an engaging Couch Session, where distinguished mental health advocates and practitioners shared their experiences and perspectives on empowering young people through peer leadership and counseling. The panel included Pastor Beltzazar Tumambini of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, Nica L. Serjas-Fortich, MGC, RPm, Head of the Guidance Services and Testing Center of the University of Mindanao โ Peรฑaplata, and Dr. Richard S. Jimenez, RPm, RGC, Head of the Guidance Services and Testing Unit of Samal Island City College. Their discussion highlighted the importance of accessible guidance services, faith and community support, and student-led initiatives in building mentally healthy learning environments.
A significant moment of the summit was the Induction of Officers of the Peer Helpers Society of Samal Island City College and the Peer Facilitators Organization of the University of Mindanao โ Peรฑaplata, symbolizing the commitment of a new generation of student leaders dedicated to advocating mental health and providing peer support within their respective institutions.
The induction ceremony was followed by an inspiring message from Hon. Lemuel T. Reyes, City Mayor of the Island Garden City of Samal, represented by Atty. Ana Leizl Ortilano, who commended the participating institutions and organizations for their unwavering commitment to advancing mental health awareness and empowering young leaders to become catalysts for positive change.
To culminate the summit, all participants took part in the Pledge of Commitment, presided over by Kryzzah Lou Lauron, President of the Peer Facilitators Organization of the University of Mindanao โ Peรฑaplata, and Runeri Claire Gibela, President of the Peer Helpers Society of Samal Island City College. The pledge served as a collective affirmation of the participants' dedication to creating safe spaces, becoming listening ears, and fostering inclusive, supportive, and mentally healthy communities through empathy, leadership, and service.
As the Fitness Summit 2026 concluded, the two-day gathering left participants with renewed inspiration, strengthened partnerships, and a deeper understanding that mental health is a shared responsibility. True to its theme, "Safe Spaces, Listening Ears: Navigating Mental Health as One," the summit became more than a learning eventโit became a movement that empowered individuals and institutions to continue advocating for compassion, inclusivity, and peer support, ensuring that no one has to navigate life's challenges alone. //J.Ariola
